Find out how popular the first name Norbu has been for the last 14 years (from 2010 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Norbu by gender

Based on the last 14 years of data, Norbu is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Norbu.

The history of the first name Norbu

Norbu is a given name of Tibetan origin, derived from the Tibetan words "nor" meaning "jewel" and "bu" meaning "son" or "child." The name can be traced back to the 7th century CE, during the reign of the Tibetan Empire when Buddhism was first introduced to the region.

The name Norbu has its roots in Buddhist philosophy, where jewels are often used as metaphors for the precious teachings of the Buddha. It was a common practice among Tibetan Buddhists to give their children names that reflected their spiritual beliefs and aspirations.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Norbu can be found in the epic Tibetan story "The Epic of King Gesar," which dates back to the 11th century CE. In this tale, Norbu is the name of a character who is a wise and compassionate advisor to the legendary hero-king Gesar.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Norbu. Norbu Sangyé (1439-1504), also known as the Tertön Pema Lingpa, was a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master and treasure revealer who discovered numerous hidden teachings and texts.

Norbu Tshering (1598-1650), a Bhutanese Buddhist master, was instrumental in establishing the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism in Bhutan and is revered as one of the country's most influential religious figures.

In more recent times, Norbu Thondup (1929-2011) was a Tibetan Buddhist teacher and author who served as the personal assistant and interpreter for the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, for over four decades.

Norbu Bhuti (1942-2008) was a notable Tibetan artist and thangka painter who played a significant role in preserving and promoting traditional Tibetan art forms.

Norbu Wangchuk (born 1939) is a Bhutanese film director and producer, widely regarded as the pioneer of Bhutanese cinema and a cultural ambassador for his country.

The name Norbu continues to be widely used in Tibetan and Bhutanese communities, reflecting the enduring cultural and religious significance of this name that carries the connotation of a precious gem or child.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Norbu was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Norbu, please contact us.

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